Saturday, April 27, was an evening of celebration and honoring the many talented artists in the Puyallup School District at the Vesey-Munson Artist's Reception. During the reception, awards were presented in nine categories: Color Drawing, Photography, 3-D, Painting, Black and White, Pastels, Mixed Media, Intermediate (third through sixth grade), and Primary (kindergarten through second grade). In addition to 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place and Honorable Mention in the nine categories, special awards were given to Best In Show, Superintendent’s Award, and People’s Choice.

The Vesey-Munson Art Show began in 1998 to celebrate student achievement in the visual arts and has been held in May each year. Presented in honor of former Puyallup School District art teachers Dan Vesey and Deb Munson, the art show has given students an audience for their creative expression. The show demonstrates student acquisition of art concepts and techniques, their achievement in current or previous art classes, and the creativity they communicate through works of art.

This year the students’ art was displayed in multiple locations providing lots of exposure. Beginning at the Washington State Fairgrounds, artwork from each school in the district was displayed during the Puyallup Spring Fair where formal judging took place. All the artwork was displayed again at the Artist's Reception held at the Pioneer Park Pavilion in downtown Puyallup.

This year’s Best in Show, Superintendent’s Award, People’s Choice Award, and all 1st Place winners in each category will be showcased at a third showing at the Tacoma Art Museum throughout the month of June 2019, with a special showing and reception on June 6. After the showing, the artwork will be purchased from the winners by the Puyallup School District and permanently displayed at the District’s Educational Service Center. More photos are available in the photo gallery at the end of the article.

Congratulations to this year’s winners and all the artists:

People’s ChoiceTaylor Franich – Rogers High School
Chloe Power – Puyallup High School